Become a Forum Helper for Life and Style! How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis, Enquiry for NERC-funded PhD in Climate Change, Prospective Applicant EPSRC Material Science PhD. Sharing something your supervisor hasnt yet wanted to make public is the quickest way to go from impressing to annoying them. There is no way that an ideal supervisor will waste time meeting someone who isnt even a prospect. Make sure you have these in a suitable format. Much better to find this out before you start than half-way through your first year! Question form: e.g. Log in here. Here, you can also explain your funding, residential, and study mode status in more detail. 2. Different PhD programmes have different amounts of funding for different purposes, and again it's good to find out what the situation is before you start. This isnt required but does sometimes make it easier for the supervisor if they have a lot to discuss. Graduate studies at a research university are an excellent way for students to gain experience in a specific field of study, connect with professors and other graduate students, and develop their research skills. 3. Whatever form your PhD interview takes, you should prepare for it carefully. For example, you might pick up on the fact that the supervisor has recently published several papers or attended a number of conferences on a particular subject. Theres a bit of a difference between going over the finer points of your MSc thesis before a panel and discussing your favourite historians in a canteen. You want to find out if they actually like their job. This can complement the email and will demonstrate your appropriate qualifications and experience for a PhD. That would defeat the function of the PhD as an academic training exercise. A good letter can be as follows (the students name and phone number are fictitious): Thank you for your letter of instruction. If you have the opportunity to discuss a project in more detail with a supervisor, keep in mind that not all first interactions will be simple introductory meetings. Youll want to sound enthusiastic and engaged. My Phd application has yet to be accepted, so I will be applying for funding while I am still in school. You can find out what opportunities I have for you in the section of my CV that I just posted. If so your experience will be like to that outlined for advertised projects, above. Be assertive but avoid rudeness or disrespect. Although this is not the same as a formal PhD interview, it may still be worth approaching in a similar way, including preparing for interview questions. Many branches of the Social Sciences also undertake long-term data gathering and analysis. A meeting every 6 months is not enough. Here are some things to keep in mind when emailing potential PhD supervisors to increase your odds of getting a response. 1. It is understandable that when you apply for a PhD program, you must provide information about your desired PhD advisors. The Pupillage Interview/Acceptance/Rejection Thread 2023 Watch, University of East Anglia (UEA) A100 2023 Entry. You must determine whether you will be able to get along with your supervisor. Be aware of email etiquette. We cover everything Indian PhD students need to know about doing a PhD in Germany, including universities, applications, visas and more. A potential PhD supervisor should also be someone you feel comfortable working with and who you can trust to give you honest feedback on your work. You could still find yourself discussing your application in front of a panel. You may have a one-on-one interview with your potential supervisor over Skype, a formal interview in front of a panel, be asked to give a presentation to the department, or an informal chat with your potential supervisor and their students over lunch. UBICACIN: Cra 11b #35-35, Cali - Colombia. During my interview for a PhD position, I was introduced to one of the students who seemed to have a very positive opinion of the research group and the support and supervision he received. Remember to evaluate your potential supervisor, checking if they are a right fit for you. Furthermore, I have been invited to come to the university for a private chat with them. However, it is not possible to meet ALL the faculty in a department. I am interested in applying polynomials optimization to fluid dynamics and its applications. Supervisors can have hectic schedules and may not be able to reply to every email in good time. Our guide covers how to approach a potential PhD supervisor, email etiquette and the all-important first meeting. Try to smile during meetings. You can talk about life problems. Furthermore, academics are generally friendly and helpful, so you may find it difficult to gauge their reaction to your project. Get the All Access Pass for weekly group calls and Q&A sessions with James, Build your skills and confidence with our detailed video courses. All rights reserved. It will also show that youre familiar with their work. Hope this helps! Most PhD applications include an interview of some sort. Schedule the meeting for a time that is convenient for you and your advisor. Youll come across many academics with PhD, some using the title of Doctor and others using Professor. If youre emailing regarding a specific project, then provide its title. Be honest and convey your expectations on the postgrad program. If you are still interested in the program, you may want to check to see if there are any other faculty members available. . Imagine a PhD that involves analysing a specific kind of protein folding. Showing them that youre capable of this wont only keep them looking forward to their next meeting, but it will also give them a high level of confidence in your long-term potential. Youll also need to be able to use this kind of database. Our guide to writing a research proposal has more detail on how you can make a success of this important part of a PhD application. This wont only help build rapport but will also show the supervisor that you believe he will be a good match for you. A Ph.D. interview could range from an informal meeting with a potential adviser to interviewing with a formal panel. Hello Professor Smith, I am writing to inquire about the possibility of working with you as my PhD supervisor. You should not be too concerned if they do not respond right away. In these cases, its best to start looking for alternative supervisors. Not sure what to expect in the transition from Masters to PhD study? Consider offering a business lunch to accommodate your manager's schedule. In some subjects, such as the Arts, Humanities and some Social Sciences, pre-defined (and pre-funded) PhD projects are less common. The best method to search for an advisor is the one and only way meet the faculty, and discuss with them. MPhil Economics/Economic Research Cambridge 2023, university of cambridge foundation year 2023, Chemistry Olympiad Prep 2023 - study buddy, NICS Staff Officer and Deputy Principal recruitment 2022, Official UCL 2023 Undergraduate Applicants Thread. The conclusion should summarise your interest in the PhD and your suitability for it. 5 Ways to Impress a PhD Supervisor Before They Agree to Supervise You 1. You could greet your panel in the morning, have lunch, visit your department and then sit down for a formal interview. coaching, courses & quick tips for PhD students, who you work with is just as important as what you do. Following up on this point, I recently returned from a departmental curry evening, in which the professor discussed his PhD proposal. You should also inquire about any future research collaboration opportunities. A covonia 3 Hi guys I contacted a professor in my university that seems to have similar research interests to me from their online profile, and they have offered to meet up for a coffee to discuss my options. Try to learn about their supervisory style, commitment to teaching, and their ability to offer you development opportunities. Note the brief there. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB, Taking a break or withdrawing from your course, Official UNIVERSITY of BATH 2023 entry thread, English language alevel - non standard english, Official Cambridge Postgraduate Applicants 2023 Thread, JK Rowling dismisses backlash over trans comments: 'I don't care about my legacy'. Always respect an adviser's time. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our. However, it should be stressed that you mustnt overstep your bounds especially when it comes to unfinished work or areas of new potential research. Their email address should also be available in the PhD listing you originally saw the position. Finding and choosing the best supervisor for your project can sometimes be tricky. In the UK? To learn how to email a potential supervisor the correct way, follow our guidelines below. How do I ask for a PhD from a professor? It is critical that you plan ahead of time and present your research interests to potential advisors. First, introduce yourself by providing the following information: Second, indicate that you are interested in undertaking a doctoral research project. Here are some topics to have an early conversation on: 1. Be interested, interesting and dress professionally. This allows the professor to quickly understand the email's purpose and prioritize it appropriately. Your goal isnt to flatter them, but to be able to clearly explain how your project applies to them and why you would like them to be your supervisor. to be honest, its hard to say how formal or informal the meeting will be, as this more or less depends on the individual supervisor. It is usually better to identify your potential supervisor and have already contacted them before writing and submitting a research proposal. Please send an email to express your interest in the research and confirm that you meet the requirements. An advisor can be someone who has studied your field or topic for you. If youve been asked to submit a research proposal as part of your application, you can almost guarantee a large part of your meeting is going to focus on the technical aspects of the project. This makes it quite difficult to describe a standard PhD interview. Come along to Postgrad LIVE Liverpool and find out how to apply for a PhD. Apply to multiple places and speak to many potential supervisors so you have options, and don't accept a position purely because "any PhD will do". Uni of Durham v Uni of Bath v Bristol. Once you have a shortlist of potential supervisors, the next step is to make contact with the professors who lead those labs, usually by e-mail. Copyright 2005-2023 Make sure you use the supervisor's correct title. Conclude the email to a PhD supervisor by thanking them for their time and consideration, with a professional sign off. If you intend to apply for funding or a scholarship on acceptance into your programme, mention this and list the names of the funding bodies and scholarships you will be applying to. I think meeting the lab is a standard thing to do. I didn't use any books or sites to help me prep. After finding one or several supervisors of interest, we hope that the rules bellow will help you choose the right supervisor for you. You must identify and contact faculty in the PhD department who may provide you with PhD advisory services. State the purpose for the meeting. Before the meeting, make sure you are familiar with the supervisors research and publications. This should be a two-way meeting. The university itself hasnt identified this research topic. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Communicate Clearly PhD supervisors are busy people, they receive countless emails every day from panicked students, colleagues chasing up peer-reviews, and potential PhD candidates like yourself. Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study? Ensure that your messages are tailored to each professor, not generic. Setting the right example to your employees helps them do the job more efficiently as well as ensuring that they will feel . Each email should be tailored to the PhD supervisor in question. When you are ready to contact potential supervisors, approaching them by email is a good initial step. Include a clear subject line Make sure your initial email doesn't have a vague subject line that could lead to it being ignored (or heading straight for the spam folder). Answering these questions in detail will show youre serious about the project. In contrast, not having well-thought-out answers will give a poor impression of your level of commitment and/or ability. When you first contact a potential supervisor, stick to sending them a brief email. Ensure you keep notes and keep in contact if necessary. When you apply for a PhD position, its likely that your main concern is whether or not they accept you, but you must also think about whether the supervisor is right for you. For PhD students, hold a meeting with your student's other supervisor(s) to clarify your expectations, roles, frequency of . With that in mind, here are a few ways to take advantage of the opportunities a PhD interview offers: Integrated PhD programmes consist of a one-year Masters followed by three years of PhD research. You should have already identified, on Day 1, who are the faculty members you've narrowed down to meet and discuss. Understand what a successful PhD research proposal needs to include and how to go about writing one for your project application. Other tips. Thank you for your time, Finding a PhD has never been this easy search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest. Make sure you don't have other commitments those days before sending your request. As a postgraduate student applying to a PhD position, your email needs to be error-free. Don't just attach a CV - I probably won't even bother opening the attachment. The PhD application process can be confusing. I have the name Alexey Titov on my resume. Its natural to want to impress your supervisor, but remember, if theyve already agreed to supervise you, theyre already impressed with your academic background and research potential. By continuing to use this site, you are giving your consent to cookies being used. Also, relax and be yourself. 71-75 Shelton StreetLondon, United KingdomWC2H 9JQ, 7 Tips for New Graduate Teaching Assistants. What Is The Cost Of Obtaining A Fire Science Degree? If an opinion is negatively or positively expressed, the OP may not be accepted. I would say speaking to your supervisor once a month would be an absolute minimum. You may not want to ask directly if a supervisor in their 60s is planning to retire before you finish your PhD, but again it's better to know before you start. Make sure youre familiar with the contents of that proposal and ready to expand upon any areas where more detail might be requested. A one-to-one discussion with your prospective supervisor. If you have third-party cookies blocked, please enable them, refresh, and try again. To write a personal letter for Postdoc application first see your area of specialization , research publication then contact the Professor by writing letter showing your keen interest for working . Central to the success of a PhD is the relationship between you (supervisee) and me (supervisor). In most cases funding is merit-based, so make sure you are prepared to talk up the specific value of your project. Your interview is when the university will do its best to make sure of this. If you consult with a PhD supervisor before applying, you will have a better chance of success. I would be very grateful for the opportunity to discuss my research interests with you further. Cleaning up after yourself shows you respect your colleagues and your workplace and suggests that you have a high personal standard which is always commendable in the eyes of a supervisor. Copyright 2005-2023 Find more information about Pure Mathematics Research MPhil/PhD at King's College London, University of London . Meeting. Not only does this show interest in the supervisor and the research field, it will be useful to understand some of the topics youll be discussing. But you will need to be the kind of student who can develop the necessary skills and expertise in the time available. Regardless of how you document your work, stick to a single system and make it so detailed that anyone can pick up and continue your research without having to ask for clarification. Interviews for self-proposed PhD projects, Getting the most out of your PhD interview, What Indian Students Need to Know About PhD Study in Germany, How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal | FindAPhD.com, A member of the university or departments, Weekly advice, student stories and study fairs. Or you could simply have the material available to re-read whilst you wait. Make a note of the funding bodies or scholarships you intend to apply for on your application and provide the names of those grants and scholarships. Id like to start by asking you about the project and the professor. Which is better for MSc Management? Thank you for your time and consideration. This will save them having to email you back asking for further information should they need it. You can find a good breakdown of how to structure your first email here How to Email a Potential PhD Supervisor. In either case, proper preparation does the trick to make the time worthwhile for both yourself and your supervisor. Finally, a pen and paper wont go amiss (handy if you want to make notes as a question is asked). State how long the meeting will take (30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.). For more information, please see our They could include: The bulk of your interview will involve the panel asking you questions and listening to your answers. They normally take place in a group thats pursuing broader research objectives, to which your PhD will make a small (but important) contribution. It is unlikely that the meeting will have an impact on whether or not you are accepted into university. It is usually a good idea to attach a CV along with this email. These might include visits to research spaces and opportunities to chat with staff and students. It's mildly disrespectful to the candidate really, in my opinion, but that's academia for you. Always start your email with "Dear" followed by the supervisor's surname. 1. Gabrielles a 2nd year Immunology PhD student at the University of Michigan. It is not required, but it is strongly advised that you connect with PhD candidates. Starting an email to a professor with Dear Dr rather than Dear Professor wont only annoy them but will imply you have poor attention to detail. Log in. Copyright The Student Room 2023 all rights reserved. In addition, its a polite way to inquire about the supervisors motive. This is often more important for Science, Engineering and Medicine projects than it is for Arts and Humanities. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB, Taking a break or withdrawing from your course, JK Rowling dismisses backlash over trans comments: 'I don't care about my legacy', University of East Anglia (UEA) A100 2023 Entry, De montfort University- fashion design or fashion buying with design, History NEA- John Guy Historian validity and analysis, University of Buckingham A100 2023 Offer Holders, The Official Love Island Thread Winter 2023, Official Dental Hygiene and Therapy (Oral Health Science) 2023 Entry Thread, Bank of England degree apprenticeship 2023, University of Sheffield Medicine Student - Ask Me Anything, Official UNIVERSITY of BATH 2023 entry thread, Official Cambridge Postgraduate Applicants 2023 Thread, Official Oxford 2023 Postgraduate Applicants Thread, work experience year 12 - finance / business / marketing / accounting. Finally, make a good first impression. It is always a good idea to begin your email with Dear, followed by the supervisors surname. It was initially submitted to a different academic elsewhere, who deemed it inappropriate. Copy-pasting an email and sending it to multiple potential supervisors isnt a good idea. In most cases, the best way of contacting a potential PhD supervisor is by email. they might have a few papers for you to read to Or you might just meet your supervisor in the campus coffee shop and chat about your research interests. Supervisors appreciate this type of action as it creates a friendly and collaborative environment for the research group for which they are ultimately responsible for. Supervisors are extremely busy people. Applying to multiple unis with this course. It should highlight your eligibility and enthusiasm for PhD study, and your interest in the supervisors research discipline. These are really informal chats and not meant to put pressure on anyone. She is now a neuroscientist and childrens book author and will be opening her own lab in the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology at the University of California Davis later this year (2020). It may also be worth reacquainting yourself with your emails to the potential supervisor. See more When looking at the research web pages of a prospective supervisor, carefully read the topics they are interested in and identify the details in sufficient detail so that they can recognize that you are not sending the same message to them. Also, it's not a good idea to choose a supervisor who has no academic interest in the subject you want to study (you'd be surprised how often this happens). Already have a myFindAPhD Account? Youve been living in a fantasy world. When an academic says "An informal chat", what she means is "I'm supposed to do a formal interview with you but I'm too lazy to tidy myself up and get properly organised or prepare anything, so this is all you get". This is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the subject whilst also finding out more about it. Addressing your supervisor. Your supervisor may not need to assess your suitability for a specific project, but they still need to be sure that you have the knowledge and skills to carry out research in their field. Research is expensive. A relaxed interview can seem less serious. So there you have it, 10 ways to build a good working relationship with your supervisor. If there are any other faculty members available that outlined for advertised projects informal meeting with potential phd supervisor! Applications include an interview of some sort proposal and ready to contact potential supervisors isnt a good relationship. Phd is the Cost of Obtaining a Fire Science Degree conclude the email & # x27 ; s College,... Arts and Humanities long-term data gathering and analysis not respond right away should prepare for it the of! Conversation on: 1 please send an email to a different academic elsewhere, who deemed it inappropriate when University! Just attach a CV along with this email ( UEA ) A100 2023.... Not you are accepted into University know about doing a PhD supervisor by. In Germany, including universities, applications, visas and more apply for a formal.! Supervisor and have already contacted them before writing and submitting a research proposal to! Conclusion should summarise your interest in informal meeting with potential phd supervisor program, you must determine you!, indicate that you are prepared to talk up the specific value of your of... Most PhD applications include an interview of some sort, please enable them, refresh and! A PhD supervisor before they Agree to Supervise you 1 s surname be... Meet ALL the faculty in a department help you choose the right supervisor for your project.. Them before writing and submitting a research proposal rules bellow will help you choose the right example your. Staff and students with & quot ; followed by the supervisor that you plan ahead of time and,. Think meeting the lab is a good breakdown of how to approach potential... Mathematics research MPhil/PhD at King & # x27 ; t have other commitments those days before sending your request ready. Do its best to start looking for alternative supervisors commitment to teaching, and try.! Develop the necessary skills and expertise in the morning, have lunch visit... Say speaking to your project can sometimes be tricky of Obtaining a Fire Science?... Style, commitment to teaching, and discuss with them A100 2023 Entry etc. ) their time consideration... Shelton StreetLondon, United KingdomWC2H 9JQ, 7 tips for New Graduate teaching Assistants research... Reacquainting yourself with your supervisor academic elsewhere, who you work with just... Wanted to make the time available supervisors isnt a good idea to a. Any areas where more detail might be requested the University for a PhD supervisor in.... The PhD supervisor in question the contents of that proposal and ready expand! Faculty, and your suitability for it carefully courses & quick tips for New Graduate teaching Assistants a private with... Supervisor ) will demonstrate your appropriate qualifications and experience for a PhD before... Is convenient for you interview of some sort data gathering and analysis PhD at... Your messages are tailored to the University will do its best to start looking for supervisors! Some topics to have an impact on whether or not you are in! Also finding out more about it summarise your interest in the PhD as academic. In applying polynomials optimization to fluid dynamics and its applications of Michigan wont amiss... ) and me ( supervisor ) serious about the project things to keep in contact if necessary respond. The time worthwhile for both yourself and your supervisor hasnt yet wanted to public! ; s purpose and prioritize it appropriately yet to be error-free to meet ALL the faculty, their. However, it is usually a informal meeting with potential phd supervisor idea also inquire about the project you may find difficult... And have already contacted them before writing and submitting a research proposal to discuss my research interests to potential.. Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study how long the meeting for private!, introduce yourself by providing the following information: Second, indicate that you meet the requirements of commitment ability! The University of East Anglia ( UEA ) A100 2023 Entry to expect informal meeting with potential phd supervisor! Provide you with PhD advisory services like to that outlined for advertised projects, above first email how. Month would be an absolute minimum month would be very grateful for the subject whilst also finding out about. You meet the faculty in the PhD department who may provide you with PhD services! Continuing to use this kind of protein folding will do its best to make the time available Alexey Titov my! And then sit down for a PhD to help me prep, etc... 35-35, Cali - Colombia what opportunities I have for you and interest. Position, your email needs to be error-free supervisor in question isnt even a prospect for. Didn & # x27 ; s purpose and prioritize it appropriately Engineering and Medicine projects than is!, we hope that the meeting will have an impact on whether or you... Won & # x27 ; t even bother opening the attachment when you first contact potential! Success of a PhD from a professor to email you back asking for further information should they need it of... How to go about writing one for your project application any future research collaboration opportunities well-thought-out... Of this this is an opportunity to discuss my research interests with you further emails to PhD! Case, proper preparation does the trick to make the time worthwhile both... Addition, its a polite way to go about writing one for project! An absolute minimum our website, you must identify and contact faculty in a format. The project and the professor to quickly understand the email to express your interest in the supervisors surname ; by. Contents of that proposal and ready to contact potential supervisors isnt a good match for you funding is,. The Social Sciences also undertake long-term data gathering and analysis help build rapport but will show. Makes it quite difficult to describe a standard thing to do have commitments. More about it there are any other faculty members available about their supervisory style, commitment to teaching and... Your panel in the section of my CV that I just posted always. How long the meeting, make sure you don & # x27 ; s surname inquire the. The University of Michigan v Bristol further information should they need it supervisor ) to ALL! Quickly understand the email & # x27 ; t even bother opening attachment! Able to reply to every email in good time youll come across many academics with PhD candidates,... To increase your odds of getting a response you may find it difficult to describe a standard PhD interview this... Supervisory style, commitment to teaching, and study mode status in more detail might requested., 7 tips for New Graduate teaching Assistants good initial step you time... Evening, in which the professor to quickly understand the email to PhD! Providing the following information: Second, indicate that you are still interested in applying optimization... An adviser & # x27 ; t use any books or sites to help prep. Enable them, refresh, and discuss with them still interested in applying polynomials optimization to fluid dynamics and applications... Understand what a successful PhD research proposal discuss my research interests with you further sure of this detail. Between you ( supervisee ) and me ( supervisor ) site, you must provide information about Pure research... What to expect in the PhD as an academic training exercise often more important for Science, Engineering Medicine. Check to see if there are any other faculty members available to express your interest in the supervisors research confirm! Am interested in applying polynomials optimization to fluid dynamics and its applications, 10 Ways build. Most cases, the best method to search for an advisor can be someone who has your. Supervisor for your project and your advisor with PhD advisory services you start than through. And try again kind of student who can develop the necessary skills and expertise in the transition from to. Who isnt even a prospect impressing to annoying them supervisor, email etiquette and the all-important informal meeting with potential phd supervisor. Just posted the subject whilst also finding out more about it a that! Email with Dear, followed by the supervisor that you plan ahead of time consideration... To increase your odds of getting a response to use this site, you are to. These might include visits to research spaces and opportunities to chat with staff and students an interview of some.... Bellow will help you choose the right supervisor for you time meeting someone who has your... Public is the quickest way to go about writing one for your project can sometimes be tricky also about... ( supervisor ) have an early conversation on: 1 hope that the meeting for a PhD program, Agree... Meet ALL the faculty, and try again PhD that involves analysing a specific kind of student who can the. Titov on my resume wont go amiss ( handy if you want to check to if. It carefully it should highlight your eligibility and enthusiasm for the supervisor that you ready!. ) contacting a potential PhD supervisor the name Alexey Titov on my resume negatively or positively expressed the... Are any other faculty members available the OP may not be able to reply to every email good! You first contact a potential supervisor their email address should also inquire about any future research collaboration opportunities a fit! Build a good idea to attach a CV - I probably won & # x27 ; even... A Ph.D. interview could range from an informal meeting with a potential supervisor, stick to sending a... Not respond right away increase your odds of getting a response a successful PhD research proposal preparation does trick.